I use tables to set up the navigation bar, however I can’t figure out how to achieve the desired result.

Please advice on:
1. How in the world do I create this navigation bar? Do I need to create image for the ‘current’ URL? Do I even have to use tables?
2. How do I make the width stretch to fit the links in relation with the container? *OK this is weird because I specify exact width of 473px, but it appears to stretch (which I want). Something I’m not getting?*
3. I use padding-top to align email link to the bottom of navigation table, is this an acceptable method?
*Optional 4. How do I create the drop shadow effect? It’s not neccessary but it would be nice if that’s possible.

Not sure if those are the right questions to ask, thank you for your participation and help.

1. How in the world do I create this navigation bar? Do I need to create image for the ‘current’ URL? Do I even have to use tables?
2. How do I make the width stretch to fit the links in relation with the container? *OK this is weird because I specify exact width of 473px, but it appears to stretch (which I want). Something I’m not getting?*
3. I use padding-top to align email link to the bottom of navigation table, is this an acceptable method?
*Optional 4. How do I create the drop shadow effect? It’s not neccessary but it would be nice if that’s possible.

Not sure if those are the right questions to ask, thank you for your participation and help.

1. There are many tutorials out there, try this one to start with: http://www.456bereastreet.com/archive/2 … ation_bar/
This will answer most of your questions about creating a navigation bar with CSS. Then the rest of the questions can be answered simply.

2. The width of an element will equal width + right padding + left padding so by adding padding to the inside of an element, you’ll need to decrease the width (if that’s what you want.)

3. If it works in FF, IE6 and IE7. I’d say you’re golden.

4. Shadows will have to be done with images. CSS currently doesn’t provide a shadow.